The people of the Commonwealth of Virginia could not and did not permit
a man of his exalted character, sound intellectual qualities, and safe,
conservative judgment to remain in private life. His services and
example were too valuable to the public, and he was called into the
public service, first as senator in the State legislature, later into
the lower House of Congress.
There, as elsewhere, he soon took rank among the wisest and safest
legislators in the body pursuing the even, modest tenor of his way with
that faithful regard for his duty to his constituents and his country
that characterized every relation and position of his life.
Those of us, Mr. President, who were favored with his acquaintance
recall with a respect bordering on reverence his commanding figure as he
came in this Chamber, his courtly presence, his gentle bearing,
persuasive conversation, amiable, respectful manners. The consciousness
that we shall never see him again is a sad and depressing reflection,
and a mournful reminder that it is only a question of time--how long
mortal man can not foretell--when those of us who survive him must obey
a similar summons, and disappear, as he has done, from the scenes of
life forever.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133